E-challan system launched in Lahore to combat littering

The Suthra Punjab Authority (SPA) has launched an e-challan system to penalise littering at public places in Lahore, with burning tyres and waste to be "dealt very strictly" with fines up to Rs500,000 and imprisonment, according to officials.

The system, introduced on Tuesday, is a pilot project limited to the Lahore metropolitan city's 200 commercial markets and major roads, including The Mall, Jail Road and Ferozepur Road, said Lahore Suthra Punjab Authority CEO Shehryar Arif Khan.

Initially, 25 teams have started the e-challan service by issuing warnings to those involved in littering, Khan said. The total enforcement staff deputed for the system consists of 75 people, including 50 divided into two field and supervising teams.

Grace period until October

September will be treated as a grace period for violators, who will be formally fined from October 1 onwards, Khan said. During this period, warning e-challans will be issued without any fines, and teams will inform people in commercial areas and model roads that littering is a violation that should not be repeated.

The e-challan system in residential areas is currently not under consideration, as the authority's teams will first educate the people, Khan said. "I cannot say until when we will start penalising the people littering in residential areas," he added.

The system was formally launched at a ceremony at Liberty Chowk, attended by Lahore Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Ali Ejaz and Shehryar Arif Khan.

Officials said anti-littering squads had been deployed across the city's roads, markets and commercial centres to monitor violations and raise public awareness about cleanliness laws. The initial focus is on educating citizens and encouraging responsible waste disposal.

Penalties under new rules

Violators will face fines under the Punjab Local Government Act, 2025, and the Suthra Punjab Authority Act, 2026. The penalties include:

  • Littering in public places: Rs1,000 to Rs10,000
  • Failure to maintain cleanliness outside a house, shop or factory: Rs1,000 to Rs50,000
  • Use of prohibited plastic bags by shops and shopping malls: Rs1,000 to Rs2,000
  • Burning waste: Rs100,000 to Rs500,000 fine and imprisonment for up to two years
  • Burning tyres, whether by an industrial unit or an individual: fine up to Rs500,000 and imprisonment for up to seven years

All fines will have to be paid through banking or digital channels, with officials barred from accepting cash payments, ensuring transparency in the enforcement process.